Pinchweld Clamps Best Practices

When it comes to anchoring with pinchweld clamps, there are a few best practices that will help prevent problems during the repair process. Let's take a look at a few of them.

One of the most commonly overlooked operations when it comes to setting up a vehicle is the removal of seam sealer and undercoating from where the pinchweld clamp will be placed. If seam sealer or undercoating is left in the area, not only will it plug the teeth of the clamp, but it may also allow the vehicle to slip in the clamps. This could also result in an incorrect measurement due to the vehicle shifting. After removing the pinchweld clamps, seam sealer and undercoating must be reapplied to restore appearance and corrosion protection.

Another common issue occurs when positioning the clamps. Always check the backside of the pinchweld for other parts such as fuel lines, brake lines, or wiring harnesses that may require removal or relocation.

Lastly, keep in mind that some vehicles do not have a pinchweld flange or they may have a pinchweld flange that is too small for a traditional pinchweld clamp. In those cases, special adapters may be required. Check with your frame straightening equipment manufacturer for more information on their vehicle-specific adapters.

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